Menu

Together…WE ARE…Stronger!

Beyond The Trophy: Andrew Mackay, University of Virginia

Name: Andrew Mackay

College: University of Virginia

Height, weight, class, position: 6-2, 200, junior, quarterback

High School: W.T. Woodson HS in Fairfax, Va.

About Andrew Mackay: One of four quarterbacks on the Cavaliers roster, Mackay is the 12th member of his family to attend the University of Virginia. A standout quarterback and baseball player in high school, Mackay threw for more than 3,000 yards during his high school career in a run-based offense. The four-year scholar-athlete is part of the leadership team that is starting the Virginia Chapter.

As a player, what is your favorite part of the game day experience at your home stadium?

MACKAY: My favorite part of game day is definitely running out of the tunnel. When the smoke clears and you see all of the fans cheering for us it is one of the best feelings.

What drove you to get involved with Uplifting Athletes, and what, if anything, has this experience done for you?

MACKAY: My involvement with Uplifting Athletes has been sparked by Mr. Scott Shirley coming and talking to me and a couple of my teammates about this great cause. I want to be involved for the same reasons as many others, I’m sure, and it’s because we have a special opportunity as college football players to influence a large number of people to contribute to some very worthy causes.

What is your most memorable experience as a college football player?

MACKAY: So far, my most memorable experience has been beating No. 21 Louisville at home this year. It was something we knew we could accomplish and it was great to show how hard we’ve been working together to accomplish our goals. It was also awesome to join the fans on the field afterwards and to see how happy they were as well.

What is the toughest team you’ve faced or regularly play, and what makes them so difficult?

MACKAY: I’d say the toughest team we’ve played since I’ve been here is Oregon. Their offense is second to none, and continuously presents a challenge to us that we are more than willing to accept. BYU is also a game that is always difficult and we look forward to every year.

Besides one of your teammates, name a college football player you enjoy watching?

MACKAY: Personally I enjoy watching Bryce Petty for Baylor University. He is a great quarterback that plays hard every play for his teammates.

Who is your favorite NFL player and why?

MACKAY: My favorite NFL player is Tom Brady because he is always the most prepared player on the field at all times. He knows so much about the game and about leadership that he is someone that I model my game after.

What is your favorite road stadium to play in and why?

MACKAY: Virginia Tech is always a great atmosphere for a rivalry game.

In your words, what are some of the things you are looking for in life after football?

MACKAY: After football, I want to use what I have learned to be able to make a difference in other people’s lives however I can. I also what to make sure that I can provide for my family and give the same and more opportunities to my kids that my parents were able to provide for my sister and I.